donna's blog

That's where the light comes in... What can you possibly learn in school to prepare you for this level trauma, shock sadness and grief? In my suicide bereavement group it is raw. Then, allowing for the individual and collective pain points, they soften and comfort each other. They participate as if it was a group no one would ever be a member of. Because it is. I am bearing witness, gently guiding, holding space. I manage the monopolizers and the retreaters. This is ho

Dreams of falling are among the most common and vivid experiences people report. They often leave a lingering sense of unease or confusion upon waking. What do these dreams really mean? Are they just random brain activity, or do they carry deeper messages about our waking lives? Exploring the symbolism behind dreams of falling can reveal insights into our emotions, fears, and personal challenges. What Falling Dreams Typically Represent Falling in a dream often reflects feelin

The Balancing Act of Parenthood When you're traveling, you get tired. I recently traveled to DC to see my wonderfully grown-up kid. She accomplished so much in her 20s—much more than I ever did. But I was exhausted, and out of my mouth came the following sentence: She: "Mom, you seem tired." Me: "I feel as if my entire life-force energy just drained out of me and into you!" It was hot. She did not appreciate this statement and said she wouldn't have kids based on that. OK,

Navigating your 20s can feel like walking a tightrope between exciting opportunities and overwhelming challenges. Whether it’s managing stress from work, relationships, or personal growth, having the right support can make all the difference. Online therapy has become a powerful tool for many young adults seeking guidance and healing in a flexible, accessible way. But how do you find the best fit for your unique needs? Let’s explore how to find the best online therapist for y

Mental health for young adults is a topic close to my heart. Navigating the transition from adolescence to adulthood can be both exciting and challenging. During this time, young adults face new responsibilities, social pressures, and emotional changes that can impact their mental well-being. As someone who cares deeply about fostering healthier, more peaceful lives, I want to share practical insights and compassionate advice to support young adults on their mental health jou

Poppy In my work with clients, I've often encountered a deep sense of cynicism. Why wouldn't they feel this way? They were born into a world forever changed by events like 9/11. My daughter, born in 2001, missed much of her college experience due to COVID-19. Now, she faces a daunting job market and overwhelming debt in a world that feels increasingly flat and uncertain. Understanding Their World How can I help them make sense of it all? I often find myself wishing I could te

xmas day 2025 A Slow Descent from Scarsdale We started moving down from Scarsdale slowly at first. It felt like a sedate drip of loss. Where do you go if you start off high? I don’t just mean in status. I mean in experience and process. Ultimately, you might end up feeling like an ascetic. I’ve been told I have too much clutter, so I guess that’s why. I like to hold onto things. It could have been a divorce like any other. Reflections on My Childhood Wait, I should start earl

The whole reason I went into this thing is because after college I was rather shocked. No longer around thousands of kids my age, I looked around for the gaggle of friends I always had to sustain me. Empty, broken, bored, and scared, I flailed about and got more friends. But what if it doesn't come that easily for you? What if the dating apps make you obsess so much that you would rather read War and Peace at the library? We can say it's a critical time in a child's life

local track - hastings-on-hudson, ny When the darkness starts coming around mid-November and the clocks turn back, many people call me - in fact - the most people call me of all the times of the year! (However, I have read it can happen in ANY season!!). As the Solstice approaches we all have to turn inward a while. It's not a punishment, as my dear Dad would say. I happen to be one of those rare individuals who is BOTH an introvert and an extrovert. I love to be around p

Navigating the teenage years can be a challenging experience for both parents and their children. As teens seek independence, it becomes crucial for parents to foster open and respectful communication. Building trust and understanding during this formative period can significantly impact your relationship with your teen. In this blog post, we'll discuss practical tips for improving communication with your teenager and ensuring that the lines of dialogue remain open. Understan

Navigating the teenage years can be challenging for both parents and teens. During this critical life stage, teens experience rapid changes in their physical, emotional, and social lives. As parents, understanding these changes and fostering open communication is essential to help your teen feel safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. In this blog post, we will explore typical teenage behaviors, the importance of creating a safe space for conversation, and p

I've been writing articles on SAD - seasonal depression/affective disorder for more than 25 years. There's not much new to say about it, but there are plenty of more reasons to be SAD. I am working with a lot of teens and young adults right now who are acting out and getting into trouble and doing risky things, which are all normal to adolescent development. What is not normal is running your parents into the ground. In other words, young people move around the world witho

Continuing to grow as a therapist means more than just gaining experience with clients. It involves staying current with new techniques, ethical standards, and research in the mental health field. One of the best ways to do this is by earning therapist CE credits . These credits not only fulfill licensing requirements but also enhance your skills and confidence in practice. Let’s explore how you can maximize your career by strategically using CE credits. Why Therapist CE Cred

Continuing education is a vital part of a therapist’s professional journey. It helps maintain licensure, sharpens skills, and keeps therapists updated on the latest research and techniques. But navigating the world of CE credits can sometimes feel overwhelming. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about earning CE credits for therapists in a thoughtful, caring, and relaxed way. Why CE Credits for Therapists Matter Therapists are lifelong learners. The

My theory is that young adults went underground during COVID. Some thrived, while others got lost in the weeds. This led to a new brand of anxiety called overthinking . This phenomenon is especially evident in girls. I have heard girls spend entire sessions discussing one text, one TikTok, one meme, or one like. They are driven by the dopamine rush that comes from likes. I honestly don't think Zuckerberg had any idea what he was unleashing. The need to be "liked" is paramount

Therapists play a vital role in supporting mental health and well-being. To maintain their professional skills and stay updated with the latest therapeutic techniques, ongoing education is essential. Specialized training programs offer therapists the opportunity to deepen their expertise while earning valuable continuing education credits. These credits are often required for license renewal and professional development. Why Education Credits for Therapists Matter Continuing

My daughter recently traveled to Hawaii after completing the grueling two-day BAR exam. This exam is not about drinking at a bar; it’s the one that qualifies individuals to practice law in our country, ensuring that all people are safe, secure, and entitled to due process. What an achievement! The Emotional Rollercoaster When she expressed feelings of worry, insecurity, and overwhelm, I reassured her that these emotions were completely normal. It’s common to feel jealous of f

A 27-year-old female came to my office in 2025 wearing a mask. I thought, "COVID is kind of over, so why would a beautiful young adult be afraid now?" During the in-person intake session, she explained that she had been hiding her whole life. She appeared shut down and said she couldn't talk about most things—she would be too worried about me! I then shared how therapy works. Hesitant, she said she needed time. As an experienced clinician, I understood what this meant: her tr

Boyz to Men I don't see many boys. It seems they don't like therapy. And the world watches as they become angrier, disenfranchised, downsized and addicted. Why why why - if I only knew I'd be rich. Well you can't blame the Mothers. That's old news. Now men are armed and dangerous. Every time they raise their voices I myself get a little more afraid. So what, if anything, can be done about this rage? Channel it? I like David Hoag. He stands up to challenge the status quo only

Navigating the teenage years can be a rough journey, especially when anxiety becomes a frequent companion. As a parent, it’s essential to understand this challenge to provide support and foster an environment where emotions can be shared openly. With anxiety rates among teens rising, with a reported increase of 25% in anxiety symptoms from 2011 to 2021, recognizing and dealing with these issues is more important than ever. Anxiety can show up in various ways—from worries abo